May 25 – June 3, 2024
The Kingdom of Morocco inspires travelers with its diverse landscapes, multitude of languages, and intersection of European, African, and Middle Eastern cultures. Students joining us will explore the country’s diverse regions while unpacking how cultures have both clashed and cooperated over the centuries to form Morocco’s identity. Although the country is rapidly modernizing, students will discover what it means for Morocco to retain much of its history, colorful architecture, traditional mint tea, ancient Roman ruins, and winding paths of its medinas.
Travel from Los Angeles to Rabat, Morocco.
Arrive in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and meet your guide for a pre-trip briefing. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Take a tour of Morocco’s capital and learn to make traditional mint tea through a demonstration.
In the afternoon, participate in a language workshop at the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, a cultural and educational institution located in the heart of Rabat, Morocco’s medina. Learn about Moroccan society and Arab and Islamic cultures.
Take a tour of Morocco’s famous Casablanca. Visit one of the largest mosques in the world, wind through the alleys of its medina, peruse its markets, and admire its architecture, on a guided tour.
End the day with a cooking class on Moroccan cuisine.
Depart Rabat, headed for Chefchaouen. Stop in Ouezzane, a town in northwest Morocco. Many Moroccan Jews consider it a holy city and make pilgrimages to venerate the tombs of several marabouts (Moroccan saints). Learn about the local connection between Islam and Judaism from a local guide.
Continue to Chefchaouen and enjoy a walking tour of the uniquely blue town. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, featuring a kasbah built in the 18th century and a central mosque.
Participate in leather, wood, paper, and weaving workshops. Local artisans will show you how to make their products using traditional techniques and natural dyes sourced from the surrounding landscape. This art form not only sustains livelihoods but also preserves the rich heritage of Chefchaouen, inviting visitors to experience its beauty and authenticity firsthand.
In the afternoon, enjoy a local music performance with a chance to meet local students.
Depart Chefchaouen, headed for Fes. Take a guided tour of Morocco’s largest ancient site, also a UNESCO archeological site, the Roman settlement of Volubilis.
Continue to Fes.
Begin by visiting American Fondouk. Established nearly 100 years ago, this nonprofit is a veterinary hospital for the many animals of Fes.
Attend a workshop at the Gender Studies Department of the University of Fes. The Gender Studies Department aims to sensitize the faculty and students to women’s issues and their academic importance. To achieve these aims, they organize study days, workshops, roundtables, as well as national and international conferences on issues related to women and gender.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a pottery factory for a tour and see the local artisans in action creating amazing products. Make your own piece of pottery to take home with you. Then take part in an Arabic calligraphy workshop with professional craftsmen who will guide you making your own art.
Participate in a walking tour. Visit Fes El Bali, its walled medina with mediaeval Marinid architecture, vibrant bazaars, and old-world atmosphere. See the grand mosque Fes el-Jdid and the dazzling exterior of the royal palace. This slow, meandering stroll will allow plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping before starting the journey home.
Begin your journey home.
Insight has delivered international trips for a wide variety of audiences, including both adults and youths, since 2013. Our top priority from start to finish is the health and well-being of our participants. In the event conditions change while on trip, Insight may need to adjust the itinerary to ensure participant health and safety.
As with all trips, risks do exist and participants will need to complete Acknowledgement of Risk documentation prior to departure. Insight will take every precaution to ensure this experience is truly unforgettable, all for the right reasons. To learn more about our health and safety practices, please contact us.
Please refer to instructions sent by your school.